Jasper County >> 1878 Index

The History of Jasper County, Iowa
Chicago: Western Hist. Co., 1878.

Newton Township (Q-Z)
Transcribed by Joan Achille, submitted by Shelley Arri

QUAINTANCE, Ira; Retired. He was born 17 Apr 1822 in Jefferson Co., OH. In 1854 he came to Jasper Co., Iowa. He owns seventy acres of land in Newton Twp., also the post office building, a brick store room, and other property in the city. He married Livona TRAGER in 1856. She was born in Aug 1827 in Wyandot Co., OH. They have three children--- Katie, Sarah, and George F. He has been four years Township Trustee, and also a member of the Council. He is a Republican

RECKLER, Frederick A.; Farmer, Sec. 19, P. O. Newton. He owns 160 acres of land valued at $4,800. He was born in Germany 28 Nov 1831 and came to America in 1857, settling in Davenport where he remained till 1861 when he moved to Grant Co., Wisconsin. From there, he enlisted in the 2nd W. V. I, Co C 12 Apr 1861, for three months, but was sworn in for three years. He was engaged in the battle of Bull Run, in which he was wounded and captured. He remained a prisoner eleven months and was then paroled to the hospital in New York where he remained for six weeks, and was then sent home on a furlough. He then was ordered to report at Headquarters and soon took his place in the ranks again, and engaged in the battles of Rapidan, Wilderness, Spottsvylvania Courthouse, and others. He was honorably discharged 28 Jun 1864. He married Henrietta YOUNG in Dubuque, 2 Jan 1867. She is a native of St. Louis. Their children are---Frederick H., Henrietta F., Emile E., and Lena L.. He is a Republican, and a Lutheran.

RICHARDS, Samuel; Retired. He resided corner Race and Market streets. He was born 20 Aug 1818 in Stark Co., OH. In 1869 he came to Jasper Co., Iowa and built a planing-mill. While engaged in this business he lost three fingers and thumb of this right hand. He at once sold out this business and transferred his interest to the grist-mill business, which he now owns with his son. He also owns about 400 acres of land, all improved. He has been a member of the Council. He married Kezia BROWN in 1843. She was born in 1823 in Stark Co., OH. They had six children, four living---Adrien B., Albert J., Mary B. and William E. He is a Republican

RODGERS, J. F.; Farmer, Sec. 26, owns 130 acres, valued at $10,000. He was born in Madison Co., IN on 1 Jan 1840. He moved to this county with his parents in 1849, settling in this township, west of Newton, but shortly moved to Newton Village, where his father died in 1856. Mr. R. moved to his present farm in 1864, the principal product of which is corn and wheat. He married Eliza RITTER in Aug 1864. She is a native of Stark Co., OH. Their children are Rosie, Fanny, Henry B., and Robert A. He is a Republican

SCHARF, Adam; Barber and money loaner, north side of square. He was born 14 Jan 1831 in Helmstadt, Baden, Germany. In 1852 he came to St. Louis, in 1853 to Illinois, and in 1855 removed to Newton, Iowa. He owns his shop and other property in the city. He married Sophia WILLER in 1858. She was born in Baden, Germany in 1835. They have seven children---John A., William P., George A., Philip, Katie, Charles H., and Annie. He is a Democrat.

SITLER, J.R.; Farmer, Sec. 30, owns 120 acres valued at $3,500. He was born in Crawford Co., PA 18 May 1832. He enlisted in the 2nd Penn. V. C., Co I on 6 Oct 1861 as a private, but was soon promoted to First Lieutenant. He was engaged in the battle of Lena, Bull Run, Rapidan River, Gettysburg and the Wilderness. At the latter place he was taken prisoner and held till the following March when he was paroled. Being very much reduced by ill treatment he was sent to Annapolis Hospital where he remained till 16 May 1865, when he was mustered out by general order. He then returned to Pennsylvania and in 1867 moved to this county, settling where he now lives. He married Miss C. M. SPAULDING in Michigan, February 1864. She was a native of Ashtabula Co., Oh, and died in October 1876, aged 40 years. Their children are Harry and Anna. Mr. S. is a member of the Congregational Church.

SMART, I. W.; Farmer, Sec. 20, owns seventy acres, valued at $3,500. He was born in Salem, Columbiana Co., OH. In 1848, when about 4 years of age, he moved to Cleveland with parents. He was engaged during the war in the ship-yard at Gen. Gearey's Post at Bridgeport, Alabama in the occupation of moulder. While home at Cleveland, on account of sickness, he was drafted in 1862. Being unable to go he hired a substitute who went to the front. In 1864 he moved to this county settling in Palo Alto, Twp. where he resided three years, then moved to where he now lives. He married Miss Mary A. CLARK in Cleveland, OH 20 May 1854. they have one son---Edward N., now in his 22nd year.

SMITH, J. D.; Dry goods, groceries and queensware, northwest corner square. he was born 9 Feb 1835, in Jackson Co., MO. In 1855 he came to Jasper Co., Iowa, and engaged in farming till 1870 when he commenced his present business. He married Eliza WHITE in 1873. She was born in Sept 1856 in Missouri. They have two children---James and an infant, not named.

SMITH, S. G. Hon.; Firm of Smith & Wilson, attorneys, office, northeast corner public square. He was born 22 May 1831 in Greene Co., NY. In 1852 removed to Oberlin, OH, where he attended College. In 1856 he commenced reading law at Urbana, OH, with James & Duel, and was admitted to the bar in March 1857, in Columbus, OH. In November of that year he removed to Newton, Iowa where he has since continued to reside. In August 1862 he was commissioned Major of the 40th Iowa V. I. and held this position until 1864, when he resigned. he then returned to Newton and resumed his profession. He has been Mayor, also a member of the Council, State Senator and District Attorney of the Sixth Judicial District. He is now President of the Board of Supervisors of the State Normal School. He married Miss Louisa J. DIXON 28 Apr 1859. She was born in Licking Co., OH. they had five children, three living---Addie M., Frederick S., and LaRue; lost two---L. Martin , died in 1865, aged 3 years, and Vernon D., died in 1873, aged 7 months.

SPRINGER, J. W.; Farmer, Sec 35, owns six acres valued at $3,000. He was born in Ulster Co. NY on 9 Mar 1813. He moved to Tompkins Co., NY with his parents when about 10 years of age, where he remained until his 21st year. he then learned the cooper's trade, at which he worked for a number of years in different towns throughout Western New York. He married Maria SPOOR in Oct 1837 near Albion, NY. She was a native of New York State. She died 26 Jun 1840, aged 22 years. He married again, Mrs. Harriet H. MORGAN 24 Oct 1842. She is a native of New York State, and at the time of her marriage was the widow of Alonzo Morgan, brother of ex-Gov. Morgan of New York. At that time, Mr. Springer resided in Williamsville, NY, but shortly after moved to Black Rock, NY and then to Seneca Co., OH and remained over a year. He then moved to Erie Co., OH first settling at Marengo, but in the Fall of the same year moved to Poweshiek Co., settling between Grinnell and Brooklyn near the present town of Malcolm. Here he lived till 1862 when he moved to Newton village, and stayed till the following February and moved to Malcolm Two, where he purchased a farm and lived till 1875, and moved to his present residence. His children are George W., enlisted in Aug 1861 in Co.F, 10th Iowa V. I.. He was in the army three years and two months. He was honorably discharged in Oct 1864.; Giles L., Ellen R., Marshall J., and Martha A. He is a Republican.

STAHL, H. K.; Attorney, office over the Bank of Newton, boards at Delmonico House. He was born 20 Nov 1851 in Spring Mills, Centre Co., PA. In 1871 he came to Newton, Iowa and in 1874 commenced reading law with R. SANKEY. In 1875 he attended the Iowa State University College and graduated June 1876. He at once commenced the practice of his profession. His brother, C.W., is reading law with him. His father was born in 1822, and lives in Newton Hamilton, Pennsylvania.

STONE, Mrs. N. J.; Daughter of Henry LEAMEN and widow of Washington J. Stone. He was born in 1831, and died in Cincinnati in 1862. She was born 18 Jun 1833 in PA, and removed to Newton, Iowa in 1872. She owns the Stone Hotel and other property in the city. She has four children---O. M. C., Emma K., Estella K., and Harry H. Mr. Stone served in the Mexican war, and also in the late war of the rebellion.

STURDEVANT, D.; Practical watchmaker and dealer in musical merchandise, north side public square. He was born 24 Apr 1824 in Portage Co., OH. On March 10 he went to Union Co., OH, then to Delaware Co., OH. On 1 Nov 1855 he came to Marengo, Iowa and in 1863 removed to Illinois. He came to Newton and resumed his present business which he commenced at the age of 23 years, and followed ever since. In 1862 he enlisted at Marengo, Iowa but could not pass inspection on account of ill health. When in Marengo was twice elected Justice of the Peace., but refused to serve, and was one of the Township Trustees. He married Martha E. LOVERIDGE 7 Feb 1850. She was born in 1830 in Knox Co., OH. They have two children---Lester and Silas W.

STUVER, A. S.; Attorney and Justice of the peace, office east side public square. He was born 5 Jan 1842 in Northampton Co., PA. In 1849 he came to Summitt Co., OH, and in 1866 removed to Christian Co., IL. While there he followed surveying and in 1868 came to Newton, Iowa, where he commenced reading law with WINSLOW & WILSON, and in 1872 commenced the practice of his profession. He enlisted in 1861 in Co. I, 115th O. V. I. and served to the end of the war. He was County Surveyor from 1872 to 1874. He married Josephine HOUGH in 1872. She was born in 1847 in Loudon Co, VA. He is a Republican.

SWIGART, S. G.; Farmer, Sec. 24. He was born 9 Jun 1809 in Richland co., OH, and in 1852 went to Fort Wayne, IN and engaged in millwright and engineering which he continued for eighteen years. In 1870 he came to Jasper Co., Iowa. he owns eighty-seven acres of land valued at $50 an acre. He married Elizabeth MILLER in 1850. She was born 1832 in Richland Co., OH. They had eleven children, ten living--- John Y., George W., Winfield L., Adaline O., Martha A., Mary E., Clinton D., Amy A., Mason F., Arthur MD. They lost Clare Jane, aged 2 years. He is president of the School Board. They are members of the Church of God. He is a Democrat.

TAIT, J. H.; Firm of J. H. Tait & Co., grain and farming implements. He was born 7 Feb 1833 in Lawrence Co., PA. He came to Newton Iowa in 1856 and owns 135 acres of land in Malaka Twp., and property in the city, and their elevator. He enlisted in 1861 in the 5th I. V. I. as 2nd Lieutenant, holding this position about six months, then was promoted to Captain, which position he held until Sep 1863 when he resigned on account of illness in his family. He was in engagements at Island No. 10, advance on Corinth, battle of Jackson, MS, Champion Hills through the siege of Vicksburg and others.

TOWNSAND, N.; Firm of Townsand Bros. & Co., harness and saddlery, northeast corner public square. He was born 23 Mar 1843 in Sussex Co., N. J. and in 1849 went to Niagara Co., NY. In 1857 he came to Newton, Iowa and in 1861 they commenced their present business. He enlisted in 1862 in Co C, 22nd I. V. I. and served to the close of the war. He participated in the battles of Port Gibson, MS, Champion Hills, Black River Bridge, siege of Vicksburg, thence the taking of Jackson, MS, and others. He had charge of the 2nd Brigade Ambulance Corps of Carr's Division, and is now Colonel of the 3rd I. N. G. He married Ellen M. ROGERS, 30 Jun 1867. She was born 22 Apr 1846 in Indiana. They have two children---Leora and Stella. He is a Republican.

TRAFTON, Frank; City Bakery, on Main street. He was born 22 Dec 1854 in Maine. In 1864 he came to Jasper Co.,Iowa and engaged in farming until 1876 when he commenced his present business. His parents live in the city. His father was born in 1822 in Maine and his mother was born in 1829 in Massachusetts. He has one brother, George (who is listed as a baker). John enlisted in 1862 in Co. D. 21st Maine V. I. and served about eight months and died at Baton Rouge, of a disease contracted in the army.

VANGILDER, C. P.; Farmer, Sec. 15. Owns eighty acres valued at $2,500 in this township and 102 acres in Kellogg and Mariposa, valued at $2,600. He was born in Hancock Co., IN on 27 Aug 1834 and moved to Knox Co., IL with his parents when he was about a year old. He remained till 1856 and moved to Anderson Co., KS. He stayed there four years and returned to Knox Co., IL, but only stayed a few months and moved to Carroll Co. where he remained about two years. He then moved to this county, settling in Independence Twp. in 1863. He moved to his present farm in the Spring of the present year, on which he is raising hogs, cattle, artichokes, corn, oats and wheat. He married Margaret A. OWENS in Knox Co., in 1856. Their children are Abram W., Mary A., Louisa, Catharine, Dorinda, Angeline and Elmer L. He is a Methodist and a Greenbacker.

VAUGHN, William; Banker, also of the firm of W. Vaughn & Sons, hardware, his residence corner of Washington and Market streets. He was born 17 Aug 1817 in Genessee Co., NY and in 1837 went to Lenawee Co., MI. In 1856 he came to Newton, Iowa and commenced the hardware business. In 1863 he commenced the banking business which he still continues. He married Almyra SEYMOUR in 1846. She was born in 1824 in Seneca Co., NY. They had five children, three living---Fred, Henry and Ella. They lost Seymour in 1854 aged 7 years, Hattie died in 1854 aged 2 years. He is a Republican.

WESTBROOK, L. R.; Clerk of the District and Circuit Courts of Jasper Co., Iowa. Resides corner Farmer and North streets. He was born 26 Mar 1843 in Sparta, Morrow Co., OH. In 1864 he came to Newton, Iowa and first engaged in teaching school. On 1 Jan 1869 he was appointed Deputy Clerk in this office, which position held five years and nine months, then resigned. In the Fall of 1876 he was elected to his present position. He married Emma TOWNSEND 7 May 1868. She was born 29 Mar 1849 in Lewiston, NY. He is a Republican.

WIDDELL, George; Carpet weaver on Mechanic street, residence same. He was born 20 Nov 1815 in Lebanon Co., PA. In 1866 he came to Newton and continued his present business which he has been engaged in since he was 11 years old. He married Mary A. MILBURN in 1837. She was born in 1822 in Bedford Co., PA. They had six children, five living---Sarah, Mollie, Georgeann, Etta and William K. They lost Amanda in 1865 aged 21 years. He is a Democrat.

WILSON, Jeremiah W., Col.; Firm of Smith & Wilson, attorneys, office northeast corner public square. He was born 8 Aug 1834 in Lawrence Co. PA. He attended one of the academies at Poland, OH and afterward entered Mt. Union College in the same state. Upon leaving he determined to follow the profession of law and at once commenced reading with McSweeney and Given, in the city of Worcester and was admitted to practice at Medina, 21 Sep 1855. The following year he removed to Newton, Iowa where he has since continued to reside. In Oct 1861 he was elected County Judge which office he held till the following August when he resigned to enter the U. S. Military Service. He enlisted as a private in Co K, 28th Iowa V. I. In Sept 1864 he was promoted to the Adjutant of his regiment, which position he held until the close of the war. He then returned to Newton, and resumed the practice of his profession. On 1 Jan 1878 he was appointed Aid-de-camp to Gov. Kirkwood, with the rank of Lt. Colonel of cavalry and remained as such during the time the Governor held that office. He has always taken a great interest in Masonry, and has attained the degree of Knight Templar. He is at this time Grand Master of Masons in Iowa. He was married in 1859 to Miss Mollie M. HELPHREY. they have three children, all girls---Miss Dell, Miss Pitt, and Miss Katie Zelma, aged respectively 17, 14, and 6 years.

WILSON, J. N.; Farmer, Sec. 32. He was born in Hendricks Co., IN on 5 Feb 1843. He moved to this county with his parents in 1853 settling in Buena Vista Twp. he enlisted 12 Aug 1862 in the 40th I. V. I., Co. E. He was engaged in many skirmishes and was honorably discharged in Aug 1865. He returned to this county and on 27 Dec 1866 he married Nancy J. GREEN, who is a native of Iowa. They have two children---Fannie M., and Frederick E. Mrs. W. is a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. W. owns 120 acres of land, valued at $4,800, ninety acres of which is improved and the balance is timber and pasture. he also has a brick kiln on his farm and a good dwelling house with substantial barn and out-buildings. He has resided here since 1875. He is a Republican.

WILTBANK, J. W.; Farming and dairying, Sec. 22, he owns 200 acres of land valued at $5600. He was born in New Castle Co., Del., in 1822 and emigrated to Iowa in 1854, settling in Clinton Co., where on 1 Jan 1856 he married Mrs. Rebecca MASTEN, whose maiden name was PORTER. She was born in Licking Co., OH on 7 Feb 1825. She moved to Putnam Co., IL with her parents when 12 years old, and to Iowa in 1843, settling in Scott Co. where on 5 Oct 1844 married James Masten, who died in Pike Co. IL while journeying for his health, on 24 Oct 1852. Her children by that marriage are John L. and James M. After her husband's death she returned to Clinton Co., and in a few years married the subject of this sketch. In the Spring of 1860, Mr. Wiltbank went with his family to Pike's Peak like many others of that time in search of wealth. He brought his family back to this county the same Fall, leaving them in Clear Creek twp, and returned to the mountains, where he stayed four years and returned to this county, where he has since resided. He has for the last three years, been engaged in the business of running a milk wagon to Newton, distributing the milk of 23 cows which he keeps on his place. His children are Lewis W., Lucinda H., Scottie A., and Frank L. He is a Republican and Methodist.

WINSLOW, Horace Spencer, Hon.; Judge of the Sixth Judicial District. he was born 18 Jul 1837 in Pittsford, Rutland Co., VT. He is a direct descendant from the Winslows of Massachusetts, whose original ancestors came over on the Mayflower. He studied for his profession at Poughkeepsie, NY during 1855. The following year he came to the Ohio State and Union Law School at Poland, Mahoning Co., OH. From there he graduated 1 Jul 1856 and came at once to Jasper Co., Iowa where he has since continued to reside. In 1862 he was elected District Attorney of the Sixth Judicial District. he served in this capacity for four years. In 1868 he was elected Judge of the Second Circuit, Sixth Judicial District for the term of four years. At the end of one year he resigned this office, and resumed his practice till 1874, when he was elected Judge of the Sixth Judicial District, which position he still holds. In 1872 he was a delegate to the National Republican Convention at Philadelphia, and at one time a member of the State Central Committee. On the 12th of March 1859 he was made a Master Mason in the Newton Lodge, No. 59, and has filled nearly all the offices in his Lodge. He married Miss Sarah B. DUNKLEE 7 Nov 1858. She was born 2 Oct 1837 in Pittsford, Rutland Co. VT. They have two children---Kate E., born 14 Mar 1860, and Jessie L., born 21 Mar 1862.

ZOLLINGER, J. R.; Sheriff, residence corner Farmers and Temperance streets. He was born 27 Dec 1829 in Washington Co. MD. In 1848 he went to Chambersburg, PA, and in 1855 he left for Iowa. He was detained at Mt. Morris, IL by a driving snow-storm. Through the advice of his friends he remained there two years. On 28 Mar 1857 he came to Newton, Iowa, and then commenced the carpenter and joiner business which he continued until Jan 1870 when he was appointed Deputy Sheriff. He was elected to his present position Oct 1873. he has been City Marshal and member of the Council. He enlisted 5 Aug 1862 in Co K, 28th I. V. I. He served to the end of the war and was engaged in battles of Port Gibson, Edward Station, Champion Hills, Vicksburg, Jackson, MS, Winchester, VA, Cedar Creek, VA and others. He first enlisted as a private, then promoted to 1st Sgt, then to 2nd Lieutenant, which position he held to the close of the war. He married E. M. RANDALL 10 May 1853. She was born 16 May 1830 in New York. They had three children, two living---Gulielma and Ed. M. They are Members of the M. E. Church. He is a Republican.